Histamine and catecholamine values in allergic subjects under specific hyposensitization treatment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• A histamine/catecholamine balance has been previously observed, particularly during anaphylactic shock in hypersensitized dogs.
• Limited evidence suggests histamine is released during allergen injection-induced skin reactions.
• Previous studies have questioned the extent of histamine release in such reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis of histamine release during intradermal and subcutaneous allergen injection in allergic patients undergoing hyposensitization.
• To determine if a histamine-catecholamine balance is established after hyposensitization treatment.
• To quantify histamine levels in blood plasma before and after hyposensitization.

Main Methods:

• Blood plasma histamine levels were measured in allergic patients before and 4 hours after hyposensitization.
• The study monitored for increases in histamine and catecholamine production.
• Allergen injections were administered via both intradermal and subcutaneous routes.

Main Results:

• No histamine release was detected at the site of allergen administration.
• The study did not observe the establishment of a histamine-catecholamine balance.
• Histamine levels in blood plasma did not show the expected increase post-hyposensitization.

Conclusions:

• The findings cast doubt on the significant release of histamine in response to allergen administration during hyposensitization.
• Results partially support previous research questioning histamine release in these contexts.
• The study suggests that vasoactive kinins, rather than histamine, might be released in response to allergen injection.